Grand Finals Weekend – South of Johnston

It’s finally Saturday and usually Melbourne is buzzing especially at the shops, people are buying groceries, picking up a new dress or just wondering around. But today’s different, it was rather quiet and my clever Readers do you know why?🙂 It’s because the AFL Grand Finals and for international readers, it’s a huge event for Victorians and Australians in general. Imagine the World Cup but in a smaller scale but it’s crazy here hahaha so many of my friends refuse to step outside of their house because they need to watch footy. I’ve never really been a fan of Australian footy but if I had to choose a team it’ll be Hawthorn because my bestie Ms Dd is a huge support ~ Which team do you follow?

South of Johnston

Anyhow, instead of staying home and watching the game, I caught up with two lovely ladies Veda (The Hospitality Widow) and BBFF (Shellie) at South of Johnston in Collingwood. There was a sign on the door to say that they were closing early today, I suspect it’s because of Grand Finals see I told you, Melbourne is crazy about it😛

South of Johnston1

Shellie and I carpooled and arrived at around 10:30ish as expected there was a short queue but it only took about 10 minutes for us a to grab a table for 3. I really like the fitting and decor of the cafe, it’s spacious with good lighting and interesting paintings hanging on the walls. We grabbed a table in the corner on the couches, they were quite comfy but I kept dropping food all over myself #Ieatlikeachild haha

Latte $3.5

Was feeling a little tired and decided to order a latter over my regular mocha. I was busy taking photos and didn’t have a chance to take a sip, when a waiter came over and asked in a very friendly manner whether they had given me a soy latte instead. I told them that it was fine, but they insisted that they replaced it for me ~ so kind and professional! The latte was aromatic and nutty and perfect way to wake me up🙂

Chai Latte $4.5

Shellie ordered a chai latte, we were all taken surprise by the size it was huge! Definitely double if not triple the size of my latte. Even though I didn’t try it, Veda and I could smell the cinnamon from it hmmm need to get my Chai fix soon hehe

Veda had already had breakfast so it was only Shellie and I eating, they have a fruitful menu so I had trouble deciding what I wanted. I ended up choosing the corn fritters as it’s been a while since I’ve had them. The corn fritters came with a poached egg, grilled bacon, avocado, smashed relish and topped with rocket. It was everything I liked on a plate so it sure made me happy. Especially the corn fritters, they were full of corn and not too dense with flour. It was also a generous serving which I had trouble finishing damn wish Mr Bao was around ~ Highly recommend this and will definitely go back for this dish!

Terrine of chicken and pistachio with crusty bread, chilli/cranberry relish and a salad of side $15.9

For Shellie’s brunch she ordered a more lunchy dish a terrine of chicken and pistachio served with chilli/cranberry relish, bread and salad. Of course I stole a bite and it was delicious with lots of flavours and really liked the relish with the chilli which paired up with the terrine wonderfully.

French toast made with organic brioche topped with poached pear, cinnamon, pecan nuts and vanilla ice-cream and maple syrup $17.9

I’m glad the ladies were happy to share something sweet with me, hard decision between the french toast or the pancakes. The organic brioche french toast with poached pear, cinnamon, pecan nuts and vanilla ice-cream with maple syrup won and it was a great decision. The brioche was lightly toasted and was crispy on the outside, fluffy inside and I drenched it with maple syrup can’t go wrong with that. I did find the poached pear a little hard and would’ve liked it even more if it was softer.

Sweet Treats

It was so nice to finally catch up with the ladies and just chill on a Saturday morning🙂 Something we definitely should do more often. I really enjoyed the dishes at South of Johnston and the impeccable service, they were friendly and attentive ~ Now I’ve tempted Mr Bao and he wants me to take him… hmmm I’ll think about it😛 But I do want more corn fritters and one of these delicious looking chocolate cupcakes! Anyhow Dearest Readers enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Awww hope you’re more relaxed this week Charlie🙂 You’re always rushing about and doing things for your kids! And don’t worry about the Grand Final! I wouldn’t have known if it wasn’t because my colleagues were obsessed with it hehe

Yum I’m looking forward to trying this place next time I visit. I was down in Melbourne for the Grand Final last weekend (it’s a yearly tradition) I love soaking up the atmosphere. Go Brisbane Lions for 2013.

OMG you had me on that egg porn. Gets me everytime! And don’t worry about the fact you spread your food love around you when you eat…..I am exactly the same and I believe it defines how much we love our food!